Programs similar to Outlook Express

Since O.E. doesn’t work on my new Windows 7 laptop, what can I use? I am looking for programs similar to Outlook Express.
Jerry Rochelle

Sadly, Outlook Express is missing on Windows 7 and there is no way you can get it on that operating system – at least that’s what I have learnt. Maybe there is a way to hack into Internet Explorer and the program installation file but I suppose this would entail too much effort. So which email program can you use on Windows 7? Yes, there is Windows Live Mail, but, as most users would tell you, it’s quite different from Outlook Express. However, there is hope!

Windows Mail – the email program which is similar to Outlook Express

The one email program which is very similar to Outlook Express is Windows Mail. It was the default on Vista and has been kept hidden in Windows 7. Fortunately, there is a way to get it up and running on the new operating system – read get Windows Mail on Windows 7 for details.

Important: Please understand that Windows Mail is no longer being developed by Microsoft. Additionally, the company will not extend any support if you face problems with this program. They strongly urge users of both Outlook Express and Windows Mail to move to the new email client, Windows Live Mail.

So if Microsoft doesn’t recommend Windows Mail, what can you use? Which email programs are similar to Outlook Express?

Email programs that look similar to Outlook Express

There are a few email programs which are similar to Outlook Express in the GUI. Though there is some resemblance, you won’t find the layout of these programs exactly like your beloved email client. That’s because Outlook Express is an old program and was way too plain. Email programs nowadays offer much more than simple messaging.

Note: The screenshots have been gathered from the respective company web sites. Please check out their web sites for the latest.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a free email program from Mozilla Foundation (Yes, the Firefox people)
Download Thunderbird

Image Source: Screenshot from SpreadThunderbird.com

Zimbra Desktop

Zimbra is a free email program. It was sold recently by Yahoo to WMware, Inc.
Download Zimbra

Image Source: Screenshot from www.zimbra.com

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a full-fledged email client costs a shade less than $140. It remains the most powerful email solution backed by Microsoft’s support team.
Download Outlook

Image Source: Screenshot from office.microsoft.com